Tagged News

• Gov. Greg Abbott expands state disaster declaration on screwworm infestation in South Texas

  June 5, 2026 11:15 AM

  Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday expanded a statewide disaster declaration in response to the New World screwworm’s arrival in Texas. The expanded declaration authorizes the use of “all available resources of state government to respond to this disaster,” Abbott said shortly before signing the declaration during a news... more »

• Rio Grande Valley nutritionist reacts to new federal dietary guidelines Play Video

  January 11, 2026 1:21 PM

  A Rio Grande Valley nutritionist is weighing in on the new federal dietary guidelines. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the new food pyramid this week. The guidelines are updated every five years. "There's going to have to be a lot of education around budget... more »

• Trump administration says it needs to fight SNAP fraud, but the extent of the problem is unclear

  December 15, 2025 4:06 PM

  President Donald Trump's administration is talking tough about SNAP, saying the government's biggest food aid program is riddled with fraud that must be stopped. His appointees are looking at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from an enforcement perspective, seeing fraud as a major and expensive problem, perpetrated by organized criminal... more »

• Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from complete

  December 9, 2025 9:14 PM

  McALLEN — As Mexican officials battle the spread of New World Screwworm, Texas officials are still working to finalize a response plan that would be enacted should the parasitic fly spread into the state. Texas lawmakers questioned state and federal officials on plans to combat screwworm during a Texas... more »

• ‘Horse Covid on steroids:’ Valley ranchers on alert after outbreak of deadly horse virus detected in Texas Play Video

  November 26, 2025 6:33 PM

  Ranchers across the Rio Grande Valley are on alert after the Texas Department of Agriculture announced that cases of a contagious virus found in horses were reported in the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture said veterinarians began reporting cases of the Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 after a barrel... more »

• Stores keep prices down in a tough year for turkeys. Other Thanksgiving foods may cost more

  November 24, 2025 12:52 PM

  CHELSEA, Mich. (AP) — Old Brick Farm, where Larry Doll raises chickens, turkeys and ducks, was fortunate this Thanksgiving season. Doll's small farm west of Detroit had no cases of bird flu, despite an ongoing outbreak that killed more than 2 million U.S. turkeys in the last three months... more »

• States scramble to send full SNAP food benefits to millions of people after government shutdown ends

  November 13, 2025 11:36 AM

  With the longest U.S. government shutdown over, state officials said Thursday that they are working quickly to get full SNAP food benefits to millions of people, though it still could take up to a week for some to receive their delayed aid. A back-and-forth series of court rulings and... more »

• What to know about the status of SNAP food aid as a vote nears to end the shutdown

  November 12, 2025 11:41 AM

  Many Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to help buy groceries are approaching their third week without aid after President Donald Trump's administration cut off the program due to the federal government shutdown. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday opted not to order the government to fully fund the... more »

• Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments, with shutdown potentially near an end

  November 11, 2025 10:32 AM

  The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended an order blocking full SNAP payments, amid signals that the government shutdown could soon end and food aid payments resume. The order keeps in place at least for a few more days a chaotic situation. People who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance... more »

• Trump administration demands states 'undo' full SNAP payouts as states warn of 'catastrophic impact'

  November 9, 2025 1:08 PM

  President Donald Trump's administration is demanding states "undo" full SNAP benefits paid out under judges' orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans. The demand from... more »

• People in some states get SNAP food aid while others still wait for their November benefits

  November 8, 2025 5:10 PM

  People in some U.S. states will be able to buy groceries with federally funded SNAP benefits Saturday while those in other states were still waiting for November food benefits that had been delayed by a protracted legal battle over the federal government shutdown. The Trump administration initially said last... more »

• Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded after judges' rulings

  November 3, 2025 11:41 AM

  President Donald Trump's administration said Monday that it will partially fund SNAP after a pair of judges' rulings required it to keep the food aid program running. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Nov. 1 because it said... more »

• States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt

  October 23, 2025 10:31 PM

  Officials in Louisiana, Vermont and Virginia pledged Thursday to keep food aid flowing to recipients in their states, even if the federal program is stalled next month because of the government shutdown. The fate of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps about 1 in 8 Americans... more »

• Food assistance is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues

  October 16, 2025 11:31 AM

  A federal program that provides food assistance to 40 million low-income people could be at risk in November if the government shutdown isn't resolved by then. And in at least some places, new applications for the program are not being approved. But there's still a lot of uncertainty... more »

• USDA slaps down Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller over New World Screwworm

  October 15, 2025 2:55 PM

  Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is trading barbs with the Trump Administration over its response to a parasitic pest that continues to make its way north in Mexico, and could potentially threaten the state’s $15 billion cattle industry if it crosses the border. This week, in an interview with... more »

• Listeria found in Walmart, Trader Joe's meals may be linked to deadly outbreak

  September 27, 2025 11:52 AM

  Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain heat-and-eat pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's because they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria previously linked to a deadly outbreak. The U.S. Agriculture Department updated a public health alert Friday to include Trader Joe's Cajun Style... more »

• Congressman Cuellar reacts to new case of screwworm parasite detected in Nuevo Leon Play Video

  September 25, 2025 10:34 PM

  Ranchers across the Rio Grande Valley said they are on high alert after a new case of the parasitic New World screwworm was detected in the town of Sabinas Hidalgo in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. It’s about 70 miles from the Starr County border city of Roma.... more »

• Reactions in Starr County after new screwworm case found near US border in Nuevo Leon Play Video

  September 25, 2025 7:16 PM

  Starr County cattle ranchers said they’re worried after Mexico reported a new case of the parasitic New World screwworm. The latest case was detected in the town of Sabinas Hidalgo in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. It’s about 70 miles from the Starr County border city of... more »

• Valley cattle owners facing parasitic screwworm threat Play Video

  August 16, 2025 2:33 PM

  Screwworm is basically a type of fly that can cause major damage to cattle, and that's bad news for ranchers and beef prices. In June, a plan was announced to turn an old air base in Edinburg into a sterile fly production facility. The goal is stopping the screwworm... more »

• Drought relief granted for Valley farmers affected by water shortages Play Video

  July 18, 2025 5:31 PM

  Temporary relief for Rio Grande Valley farmers is on its way, and it'll come in the form of a check. Valley farmers impacted by a water shortage are eligible, and there's a lot of money on the table. It's a more than 80-year-old legacy in the Valley,... more »

• EEUU planea criar millones de moscas para combatir una plaga. Así es como funciona

  July 2, 2025 2:23 PM

  TOPEKA, Kansas, EE.UU. (AP) — El gobierno de Estados Unidos se prepara para criar miles de millones de moscas y liberarlas desde aviones sobre México y el sur de Texas para combatir un gusano carnívoro. Parece la trama de una película de horror, pero forma parte de los planes... more »

• Valley ranchers concerned over screwworm threat following outbreak in southern Mexico Play Video

  June 7, 2025 1:05 PM

  A rancher is warning others about the potential spread of the screwworm. It's a fly that right is currently in southern Mexico, but it's been moving north. "You might have pets, you might have a horse, they are companion animals. This pest isn't a discriminator. It will infect... more »

• Agricultores del Valle enfrentan pérdidas por falta de agua y buscan alivio económico Play Video

  June 5, 2025 10:55 PM

  Muchos agricultores aquí en El Valle del Río Grande no han sembrado o están sembrando cultivos que crecen sin riego o solo con la lluvia. Eso les ha reducido los ingresos. Por eso, tienen hasta las 11:59 pm para solicitar millones en fondos de ayuda disponibles debido a la falta... more »

• Sodas, candy to be banned from Texas food stamp purchases

  June 4, 2025 2:23 PM

  " Sodas, candy to be banned from Texas food stamp purchases " was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief , The Texas... more »

• Mexican fruit fly prompts quarantine in Cameron County Play Video

  January 20, 2020 6:00 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Dozens of square miles in Cameron County are under quarantine because of Mexican fruit flies. The pest known as the Mexican fruit fly invades more than 40 types of fruits and nuts. A recent test confirmed they are in the Rio Grande Valley once again. Under... more »

• UTRGV Receive Federal Grants to Expand Economic Development Research Play Video

  December 2, 2019 8:17 PM

  MISSION – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley received nearly $400,000 in federal funds to be used to expand research in economic development. On Monday, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Congressman Vincente Gonzalez met in Mission to announce the two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural... more »

• USDA Grants $150M to Help Valley Farmers Impacted by Flooding Play Video

  September 16, 2019 5:36 PM

  MERCEDES – From too dry to too wet. Rio Grande Valley farmers and growers are saying too much rain can be a bad thing. Many local farmers are still recovering from losses due to flooding in June 2018 and June of this year. Right now, the Department of... more »

• More Bugs Being Used to Control Invasive Plant Along Border Play Video

  May 8, 2019 6:05 PM

  WESLACO – Border Patrol is following a plan begun by U.S. Department of Agriculture to control an invasive plant growing along the river. The carrizo cane arrived to the Rio Grande from Spain; researchers believe it came with colonists. The plant grows very fast and tall, making it... more »

• New Rules to Protect Cattle from Harmful Chemicals Play Video

  May 7, 2019 10:47 PM

  WESLACO – New rules are on the way to protect Texas cattle against harmful chemicals. The chemicals are designed to wipe out cattle fever ticks, which can be deadly to livestock. The AG commissioner in Texas says the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed to ventilate spray boxes used... more »

• 3,300 Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Products Recalled due to Listeria Concerns

  April 9, 2019 9:39 PM

  WESLACO – More than 3,300 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry wrap and salad products have been recalled due to possible listeria. Great American Marketing, Inc., a Houston-based company, shipped these products to various retail locations in Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service... more »

• Boston Market Recalls Thousands of Frozen Meals Play Video

  February 26, 2019 12:58 PM

  WESLACO – Boston Market is recalling thousands of frozen meals. The recall affects the boneless pork rib patties. They may be contaminated with glass or hard plastic. U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say there have not been any reports of illness. Consumers are urged to throw... more »

• Local Company Recalling Nearly 50 Tons of Chicken Products Play Video

  February 11, 2019 12:05 PM

  HARLINGEN – A local company is recalling nearly 50 tons of chicken products due to misbranding. The products did not have labels which indicated that the items contain an allergen: eggs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the recall involves VICS Acquisition of Harlingen. The products affected... more »

• New USDA Program to Combat Cattle Diseases Play Video

  February 5, 2019 5:35 PM

  WESLACO – Cameron County ranchers are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to test out a new spray protection program. The program is aimed at killing “cattle fever ticks” and the deadly disease they’re known to carry and pass along livestock. A total of 150 field... more »

• Farm Service Agency Open for 1 Day amid Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 22, 2019 12:16 PM

  EDINBURG – The Farm Service Agency will be open Tuesday despite the partial government shutdown. The office is located at 2514 South Veterans Boulevard in Edinburg. It will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says certain services will be provided,... more »

• Hidalgo Co. Rancher Reacts to USDA Branding Regulations Play Video

  December 18, 2018 4:00 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping in to help ranchers better protect their cattle. Hidalgo County rancher Mike Risica is in the business of bringing in Mexican cattle. He says he welcomes any help to protect his herd as imported cattle can bring potentially deadly... more »

• Local ranchers hopeful with changes to insecticide use on cattle Play Video

  October 2, 2018 6:35 PM

  WESLACO – A local rancher says he lost cattle because of the way the insecticide is used. The parasite carried by the fever tick is deadly to cattle but farmers claim the way the disease has been treated could also be deadly. KRGV’s Christian von Preysing spoke with... more »

• USDA Launches Program to Aid Farmers Affected by Trade War with China Play Video

  August 28, 2018 3:24 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting a new program to help growers who may be affected by a trade war with China. The Market Facilitation Program, or MFP, will provide payments to corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean and wheat producers who were affected. The amount of... more »

• Piden a Agricultores Llenar Forma de Censo USDA

  January 31, 2018 8:11 PM

  WESLACO – El Departamento de agricultura de los Estados Unidos está pidiendo a los agricultores enviar su formulario de información del censo el lunes 5 de febrero. Cualquier miembro de la comunidad agrícola que haya hecho más de Mil dólares en ganancias se le pide llenar el cuestionario sobre su... more »

• Farmers Asked to Fill Out USDA Census Form

  January 31, 2018 5:29 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking farmers to send in their census of agriculture information form due on Monday, Feb. 5. Any member of the agricultural community who made more than $1,000 in profits is asked to fill out the questionnaire about their business. Brad Cowan with... more »

• USDA Regulations Toughens Harvests in Citrus Groves under Quarantine Zones Play Video

  January 17, 2017 10:18 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Rio Grande Valley grower said he’s struggling to turn a profit after his grove was placed in a Mexican fruit fly quarantine zone. USDA lifted all fruit fly quarantine zones in Hidalgo County last year. However, several areas in Cameron and Willacy County have expanded. Citrus grower... more »